Two Degrees of Separation:
Levi Doherty
| | Two Degrees of Separation is a column dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of OFS alumni who are making a difference in the community. Through Two Degrees of Separation, we aim to celebrate these connections, illustrate the lasting impact OFS has on individuals and the communities they serve, and highlight that people in Dane County are within two degrees (versus six) of an OFS connection. | | From OFS Participant to Business Owner: Levi Doherty Builds His Own Path | | |
At 16, Levi Doherty walked into Operation Fresh Start searching for direction. What he found was more than construction training; it was a chance to build a foundation for life.
Today, Levi is the proud owner of Doherty Chimney, Roofing & Exterior LLC, a thriving company serving southern Wisconsin, employing nine crew members, and taking on everything from chimneys to siding. The construction skills and confidence he gained early on stayed with him and helped fuel his leap into entrepreneurship.
Levi credits his success to hard work, resilience, and the support he received, and now he’s giving back by investing in his community.
| | Save the Date: 2nd Annual Women in Construction Week Career Fair! | | |
OFS is hosting our 2nd annual Women in Construction Week Career Fair on March 5 from 1-4 pm! This event is open to all ages and all genders, whether you’re just exploring or ready to start your career.
We are thankful to the IBEW Local 159 for sponsoring this event!
Here is the complete list of attendees:
- Accurate-Airtight Exteriors
- Bauer Builders, Inc.
- Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
- C.D. Smith Construction
- Common Links Construction LLC
- Cru Concrete
- Daniels Construction
- Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC
- IBEW Local 159
- J.H. Findorff & Son Inc.
- JP Cullen
- LIUNA-Wisconsin
- Maly Roofing
- McGann Construction
- Midwest Solar Power
- Monona Plumbing & Fire Protection
- Nickles Electric Construction
- North American Mechanical, INC (NAMI)
- OPCMIA Local 599
- Pellitteri Waste Systems
- Performance Contracting, Inc.
- Pro Electric, Inc.
- Roofers and Waterproofers Local 11
- SCS Building and Remodeling
- Sergenian's Floor Coverings
- Speedway Sand & Gravel
- Stevens Construction Corp.
- Vogel Bros. Building co.
- Walbec Group
- WRTP | BIG STEP
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Thank You
Ascendium Education Group
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Operation Fresh Start is deeply grateful to Ascendium Education Group for its generous and continued investment in our Build and Conservation Academies. Ascendium’s support has been catalytic, helping us not only launch these innovative pre-apprenticeship programs but also scale them to meet growing demand across Dane County.
Thanks to this partnership, young adults are earning industry-recognized credentials, gaining hands-on experience on high-profile construction and conservation projects, and stepping directly into living-wage careers.
This grant ensures that even more emerging adults can access paid training, higher stipends aligned with today’s labor market, and the certifications that open doors to long-term career pathways. At a time when thousands of young people in our community are disconnected from school and work, Ascendium’s investment bridges that gap. It strengthens families, supports local industry, and builds a more resilient regional workforce.
“Ascendium Education Group’s partnership strengthens our mission at Operation Fresh Start to connect young adults to real career opportunities,” OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon said. “Their continued investment helps us align high-quality pre-apprenticeship training with workforce needs while supporting participants as they build skills, confidence, and a clear path to living-wage work. This work benefits not only the young adults we serve, but also the employers and communities that depend on a strong, prepared workforce. We don’t do this work alone, and we’re proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to opportunity and long-term impact."
| | New CareerPoint Healthcare Cohort Launches | | |
We are excited to officially welcome our 2026 CareerPoint Healthcare participants! These motivated young professionals are stepping into their futures with dedication, diverse skills, and a strong commitment to making a difference in healthcare.
This cohort will participate in an intensive 6-week professional development experience designed to prepare them for high-demand careers, including CNA, Pharmacy Technician, and other healthcare pathways.
Throughout the program, participants will earn industry-recognized certifications, including:
- First Aid & CPR (Adult, Child & Infant)
- Mental Health First Aid (Adult & Youth)
- QPR Suicide Prevention
- Stop the Bleed
- Respite Care Provider Training (RCPT)
They’ll also connect directly with healthcare employers, participate in mock interviews, and attend the Spring Healthcare Showcase at Madison College.
We are proud of each participant for taking this powerful step toward a meaningful and high-paying healthcare career. The future of healthcare is bright!
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Pictured (L-R): Congratulations to Michelle, Avada, Monsee, and David!
These four young adults have worked hard through many challenges to earn their driver’s licenses! Their determination and commitment have led them one step closer to self-sustainability and independence.
We would also like to extend a very special thank you to our longtime partner, 4 Lakes Driving School, for making these milestones possible year after year. Your support helps young people gain confidence, mobility, and access to opportunity.
| | New Build Academy Cohort! | | |
Every six weeks, OFS welcomes a new Build Academy Cohort where our Construction Training Manager, Mike (left), teaches Mental Toughness Training, which includes tool identification, safety and maintenance, basic carpentry fundamentals, construction math, blueprint reading, employability skills, and more.
This month, we welcomed four new faces who will soon be adequately prepared to join our Tier 1 residential construction projects!
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On January 21, we celebrated Sam’s graduation from the Legacy program and the completion of his high school diploma received from the Madison Metropolitan School District!
As his supervisor Nate shared:
“Sam balanced a ton of responsibilities outside of OFS, and I don’t know how he did it—but I’m incredibly proud that he did. He left a really incredible impact here.”
Sam reflected on his time at OFS, saying:
“I’m thankful for everyone who played a role in my time here. I appreciate the help and support, and I’m grateful you’re part of my journey.”
Sam showed up with commitment, kindness, and leadership—bringing others along with him and proving what’s possible with determination and support.
Congratulations, Sam! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
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On February 11, we recognized Jordan's graduation!
Jordan completed 1,000 hours of AmeriCorps service, finished all of his academic gateways, and earned his diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District.
Jordan’s journey was about more than finishing a program, it was about growth, resilience, and showing up.
As Jordan's Supervisor, Danny, said:
“Working with this young man was simply just fun. Jordan came back, thankful for the opportunity that we're giving him a second chance… he was here every day, and he just crushed and cruised through the end of his term to get to where we are today.”
Jordan reflected on where he started:
“When I came to Operation Fresh Start, I felt unsure of myself, unsure that I would be able to complete anything.”
But he made a choice to grow:
“Thank you, OFS, for giving me a second chance.”
From overcoming challenges to leading updates, supporting peers, and stepping up again and again, Jordan showed what happens when you care and commit.
“You are hilarious, you're interesting, and you're a very kind, empathetic individual… just make sure you show up for yourself so you can show up for them,” Danny said.
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Congratulations to Kaydin on completing Build Academy at Operation Fresh Start and stepping into his new role as a General Laborer at Stevens Construction Corp.!
From day one, Kaydin brought curiosity, kindness, and a genuine desire to learn. He might be soft spoken, but one thing we learned about him is that he asked good questions, and that mindset made all the difference.
Construction Training Manager, Mike, saw that drive firsthand: “He came in with experience, but he was always trying to build that experience.”
When Stevens Construction met Kaydin, they knew right away. “You checked all the boxes,” their hiring team shared. “We like who you are when you walk in the door, but we’re really excited about who you’re going to be in a year.”
Kaydin, we’re proud of your growth, your work ethic, and that quiet confidence. As you said yourself, “You've got to enjoy the people you work with, because that’s who you see every day.”
This is just the beginning. Keep building. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
| | Dane County Parks Spotlight | | |
New in 2026: monthly highlights of OFS crew projects with Dane County Parks. This partnership, dating back to the 1980s, has provided hundreds of emerging adults with the opportunity to complete conservation projects alongside industry professionals as they work towards self-sustainable careers. Since 2008, our crews have worked full-time year-round, completing conservation projects.
In February, our crews were clearing brush and cutting down invasive trees. Pictured below are our crews at Stewart Lake County Park in Mount Horeb.
| | Here's our conservation supervisor, Danny, hard at work demonstrating his chainsaw skills. | | |
Katelyn Border (she/her)
Administrative & Development Assistant
Katelyn is the new smiling face who will be here to greet you at the front desk at Operation Fresh Start. She joins Operation Fresh Start as a recent graduate of Madison College, where she earned an Associate's Degree with a concentration in Medical Laboratory Technician. During her time there, she worked as a student worker at Truax Library, gaining two years of front desk experience that she is eager to bring to Operation Fresh Start.
Through her work at the library, Katelyn discovered her passion for helping others and advocating for affordable, accessible education. She is excited to support the emerging adults served by OFS and contribute to their success.
In her free time, you’ll find that Katelyn is always doing something; whether she’s hiking in a state park, spending time with her family, traveling, or relaxing at home painting or playing a new video or board game.
We’re so glad to have you on the team, Katelyn!
| | Save the Date: 2026 Annual OFS Gala | | |
The 6th Annual OFS Gala is Thursday, September 17, 2,026, from 5-8 p.m. at the Monona Terrace! This year's theme will be Celebrating Partnerships, reflecting the many meaningful and longstanding relationships that make our work possible and support the young people and community we serve.
Contact our Development Director, Jody Weyers, if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities!
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Thank you for helping OFS empower emerging adults on their path to self-sufficiency! | | ✉️ Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up for monthly newsletters! | | | | |
